Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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AusSue 10/03/2009

Thought I would update from Aussie on the flu injection. It has been released here this week to all Dr surgeries etc. I know there has been a lot of talk about it on here.
I had the flu injection this year & only got a virus once in winter where I am often having several bouts of flu, bronchitis etc. I had no bad effect from that.
I was in hospital again this week but for constipation issues not ms & I asked about it & the Dr I saw said I should have it with my various health issues.
I went to the gp today for a script & asked her & she said definately so I have booked to have it on Thursday. What they are doing is having the nurse do certain time slots on days to give the swine flu injection as it is a multi use vial.
I will let you know how I go with it. I travel on trains & work in the city in an office with lots of others & stuffed airconditioning so everything travels through the office. I was not going to risk getting the swine flu when over 100 people have dies in Australia.
I decided I would take the prevention rather than the risk of a bad dose which would probably send ms nuts too

deleted_user 10/03/2009

I am still up in the air about it since its a new vaccine. Just like new meds on the market, there is not enough data on it yet. But, there is a risk of swine flu as well.

What are we to do, right??

mooseyinn 10/03/2009

There you go! I knew there was a reason I refuse to get the flu shot. The flu shot of any kind. Here in Canada they are saying if you get the seasonal flu shot your chances of getting H1N1 (swine) flu are increased dramatically! I have never had a flu shot of any kind and I don't plan to. I sure hope in saying this I don't come down with it. Crazy as it sounds that is just my kind of luck.

Cheers,
Sharon

AusSue 10/04/2009

Bobby I am not sure where the reporters got this information as people here in Australia are being encouraged to have it including employees of the places making it, hospital staff, & people in contact with a lot of people at risk like nursing homes etc.
Anyone with any health compromises (? not sure of right word) is being encouraged to get it & Dr surgeries have it now to start giving it out.
I agree with you gamgam too - what are we to do? I hope no one gets the swine flu.
I can understand people's fears & concerns too as it is such a new vaccine & everyone has to make their own decision along with their Dr's etc. It has been said here that a lot of countries will watch how it goes here too.
Will keep you updated on how I go once I have it. Fingers crossed LOL

deleted_user 10/05/2009

I'm getting it. I'm talking to my doctor about it today. The NMSS recommends the shot, as it contains killed virus, while the nasal FluMist spray does not.

deleted_user 10/05/2009

My primary care doctor said "maybe." He says that despite all the hubbub, it's really not a bad type of flu. Basically, talk to your doctor, read all of the REAL medical science related to studies/statistics, and decide for yourself. I'll personally get the killed virus shot (not the FluMist) if my doctor thinks it's appropriate for me.

AusSue 10/06/2009

I know it has been very serious here with deaths in every state, not only elderly too.
I have read the warnings on it (same as every drug has warnings), some are serious with this one but very rare & I would prefer to be protected than to get the swine flu. Our spring is expected to be wet which it has been so far.
I am sure more will come out about it in time as it is given out here now at dr surgeries.

deleted_user 10/06/2009

Unfortunately it will be impossible for us to get the real medical science because this vaccine is being rushed through without the usual testing period so we are being told to get vaccinated before the risks have been evaluated.

This flu isnt terrible unless you badly immune compromised. I had it. It was pretty miserable for a few days and it was mildly annoying for another week or so, but its really not the end of the world if you get it (For most people).

The biggest reason why I wont get it is the mercury based preservative and the small but possible risk of getting an auto-immune reaction from the vaccine. These risks are probably small, much smaller than the risk (statistically speaking) for getting the swine flu, but I dont feel like I am part of the demographic who is at risk of dying from the flu but I do suspect that I am part of the demographic who is susceptible to auto-immune reactions.

I hope someday they decide to remove mercury from adult vaccines and not just children's vaccines.

deleted_user 10/06/2009

Actually the biggest reason why I wont get it is because I am already immune.

Summoning 10/06/2009

I am not going to get the vaccine and I will not have my son (5) either. Maybe next year. We got the regular flu shot so that is good enough in my book. So far in America the regular (influenza) has killed more people than the swine flu so I am not too worried.

deleted_user 10/06/2009

I was told by my neuro to stay away from all vaccines because they stimulate and already stimulated immune system. I work in a public school of 700 kids. Fortunately I have not brought anything home in the 6 years I have been there. If I were susceptible I don't know if I would get the vaccine. Good luck with it. I hope it does he trick.

deleted_user 10/06/2009

My Nuro said she is on the fence about it and my GP says not to get it so I think I will skip this one.

deleted_user 10/06/2009

My Neuro said yes to both regular flu and H1N1 shots.

deleted_user 10/06/2009

There is no consensus among doctors on this issue. One doctor will say get it for sure, others say avoid it like the plague if you have an auto-immune condition, and others say its up to you.

You cant assume that all doctors will have the same opinion because they are supposedly all experts.

deleted_user 10/07/2009

I have already taken the seasonal Flu vaccine and am waiting for the H1N1 vaccine. No problem at this time.

feisty 10/08/2009

The only reason I don't get flu shots is because I have relapses after ANY kind of vaccine. Tetanus was what led to my DX. So my doctors don't recommend the for ME. But everyone is different.

Let us know how it goes. xoxo Jen

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